COP31 and Turkey’s Climate Change Efforts

Sustainability, reducing the carbon footprint, and net-zero targets are no longer mere commitments; they are the fundamental dynamics reshaping the global economy, trade, and industrial infrastructure. One of the most critical junctures of this transformation will be the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), which will take place in Antalya under our country’s presidency from November 9–20, 2026.

So, what is COP31, which holds such great importance on a global scale, and how will it affect the world and Turkey?

What is COP31 and Why is it Important?

The Conference of the Parties (COP), whose full name is “Conference of the Parties,” is the highest-level global climate summit where over 190 countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) gather annually.

COP31 represents a pivotal turning point under the Paris Climate Agreement, where countries are expected to submit stronger and more concrete Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), shifting focus from targets to tangible outcomes on the ground. This summit, which will fully replace rhetoric with action, will directly determine future development models across a wide spectrum—from the global economy to local environmental policies.

The Historical Significance of Its Construction in Turkey

Turkey’s hosting of COP31, as a natural consequence of its geographical and strategic position, is strengthening Turkey’s strategic role in regional climate diplomacy. With this summit, Turkey will rise not merely as a participant but as a leading actor that builds bridges between developed and developing countries, guiding global climate diplomacy. The summit is also described as the “COP of the Future” and the “Implementation COP,” drawing inspiration from the lands where humanity first united around a common purpose.

What Studies Will Turkey Carry Out?

All official preparation processes of the summit are being conducted under the coordination of the Directorate of Climate Change (T.C.) within the framework of diplomatic transparency with international stakeholders. In this context, the main areas of action where our country will concentrate are as follows:

Application Agenda and Partnerships: Under the leadership of the Climate Change Presidency, the “COP31 Action Agenda” is being implemented to accelerate concrete field applications. In this process, financial business partnerships are established with institutions such as the Turkish Banks Association, while global vision documents are shared at international events such as the London Climate Action Week. The “COP31 Action Agenda” addresses energy security, renewable energy targets, and circular economy.

Circular Economy and Zero Waste Globalization: Turkey’s successfully implemented “Zero Waste” vision will expand circular economy and waste management models globally.

Green Transformation in Industry and Finance: Turkey will present its decarbonization steps in its own industry as a model to the world, in line with the 2035 renewable energy installed capacity targets and the National Contribution Statement (NDC). Ensuring water and food security, as well as equitable access to climate finance, will be among the main themes of the summit. Additionally, efficient evaluations are being conducted on strengthening climate finance and international cooperation opportunities in the process leading up to COP31. The knowledge, experience, and contributions of London financial circles, international investors, and private sector representatives are of great importance in achieving our goals. In the process leading up to COP31, the views of all stakeholders are being taken into account, and studies are being directed within this framework.

Result: What Benefits Will Our Country Gain?

The successful hosting of COP31 in Türkiye will bring our country multi-layered gains at both the macroeconomic and strategic levels:

Green Financing Flow: The flow of global funds and climate finance resources directed towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean technology projects in Turkey will gain momentum.

Integration of CBAM and ETS in Industry: In the processes of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and our national Emissions Trading System (ETS), the Turkish industry will become one of the actors that quickly adapt to global regulations. This will ensure that we protect our competitiveness in exports to European Union countries.

However, on June 25, 2026, an agreement was signed between TÜRKAK and the Netherlands Accreditation Board (RvA) for CBAM verifications. Since verifier organizations operating in Türkiye are already accredited under the ISO/IEC 17029 Standard, they can swiftly obtain accreditation under the CBAM framework, which is contingent upon the ISO/IEC 17029 Standard. This will enable our industrial organizations exporting to EU member countries to avoid relying on foreign verifier organizations. With the Climate Presidency implementing a Türkiye-specific application that can integrate with European ETS processes, we will achieve a globally recognized standard in carbon pricing and allocation procedures without incurring financial or time losses.

A Permanent Force in Climate Diplomacy: Turkey will move from a “rule-following” position to a “rule-making” strategic position in international climate policy.

Economic and Global Visibility: The hosting of thousands of heads of state, ministers, delegates, and business leaders from all corners of the world in Antalya will elevate Turkey’s green economy tourism and organizational capacity to the pinnacle.

AVRASYA SERA GAZI Verification Organization Inc. As the AVRASYA SERA GAZI Verification Organization Inc., we are proud to be part of our country’s historical vision in this field; we take pride in being a solution partner for our industrialists in emission verification. We continue to work to be prepared for the climate policies of the future.

Gökçe PARER

Chairperson of the Board, AVRASYA SERA GAZI Doğrulayıcı Kuruluş AŞ.

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